Breathe (GirlxGirl)

Chapter 35 - Inquiry

It took two weeks for the police and Inspectors to finish investigating the fire at Cahoots. The results were inconclusive. It appeared cooking oil tipped over next to the pilot light of the stove and ignited. No apparent sign of forced entry was found, so they were inclined to rule it an accidental fire. Faith's head chef insisted he would never place the oil where it was found nearly out of sight behind the stove. For the time being, Faith decided to let the matter be after the kitchen staff was re-trained on safety protocols.

An insurance adjuster concluded the claim and the check would soon be in the mail. Reconstruction and repairs would commence after the funds were available. Faith decided to open the bar for the Holiday Season despite not having a working kitchen. Decorated with garland, holiday lights, and Christmas décor, Cahoots was ready to welcome patrons with assured holiday spirit. Wreaths hung below each television and red bows were attached to the end of each booth. A plywood wall constructed to block the hallway just past the bathrooms was painted with candy cane stripes. A makeshift door covered in wrapping paper allowed Faith and staff to access the office and back room without having to venture outside in the cold.

As usual, Samantha sat at the bar studying for her semester finals. Not quite as usual was Mags working behind the bar. Dana was busy most days with pre-season volleyball practice and studying for final exams herself before the holiday break. Dana cut back to working Friday, Saturday and Sunday closing shifts at Cahoots. In her absence, Mags worked a few shifts Dana typically worked. However, Faith needed to hire an additional bartender. She approached Erin and offered her the position. At first, Erin declined the job having no experience working in the service industry.

"I'm not much of a big crowd person. Besides, I have no training or experience."

"I'll train you. I'll have Mags and Dana work with you as well to get you acclimated to the job. I promise, I won't just throw you the wolves. You won't have to work busy weekends or late night shifts. I'll schedule you in the afternoons. What do you say, Erin? Will you help me out?"

"Alright, I'll give it a try, especially if you need my help."

The funny part was that a good lot of Faith's employees asked to work behind the bar, especially since Cahoots wasn't serving food at the time. Faith simply replied, "Thanks for your interest, but I have someone in mind already." And like Faith, when it came to her business, she typically got what she wanted.

Sam, atop her favorite stool, sat deeply focused on the pages open before her. A red cocktail straw flitted back and forth in her mouth. Her right foot bounced up and down shaking her knee in rhythm. Erin placed a full glass of ice water in front of Sam. Then, she walked to the opposite side of the bar, placed a cocktail napkin before a gentleman and asked, "What can I make for you today sir?"

"Harvey Wallbanger."

"Coming right up."

Erin grabbed a tall glass, filled it with ice and poured the orange juice in the glass. She paused for a second in thought.

"Vodka..." Guided Mags.

"OK, right." Erin measured and poured the vodka.

"One more ingredient. Do you remember?" Mags asked.

Erin scrunched up her face.

"Galliano. Half ounce. Add an orange slice with a straw and you're good to go."

"Ok thanks." Erin sighed. After the garnish, she placed the drink in front of the man at the bar. "Here you are sir. That'll be six fifty. Sorry for the wait. I'm still training."

"I'll say. Thought it might be Christmas before I have a taste of it." He grumbled. "For as long as I waited, this better be top shelf."

Floundering for words, Erin eked out, "Aw..., well..." Erin's eyes darted back to Mags. She agonized over what to say to the gentleman. Her cheeks became red, she squirmed in place and desperately looked for something to do with her hands. She then picked up the bottle of vodka.